When the all of the lanes opened around 8:30 p.m., traffic accelerated from 1 to 55 mph in a matter of seconds. People were anxious to get across the Bay Bridge after an ordeal that lasted nearly seven hours.

Caltrans says it towed about 30 vehicles that ran out of gas or overheated. A CHP cruiser even helped push one car along the bridge. The CHP also had their hands full with several drivers who were riding on their rooftops and hoods. Some people even got out and ran around their vehicles.

CHP officials say the driver, who suffered a bruised leg, was driving 55 mph in the 40 mph zone and did not know the speed limit had been changed. He said he had not driven over the bridge since before Labor Day and was taken by surprise by the S-curve.